Five Indonesian museum professionals from South Papua, West Kalimantan, East Nusa Tenggara, Yogyakarta, and Jakarta have returned from a two-week program in the USA. They participated in the Asia Pacific Museum Professionals Exchange (APME), a hybrid initiative by the Cultural Heritage Center at the U.S. Department of State and the Manoa Center for Southeast Asian Studies at the University of Hawai’i. The program is designed for mid-career professionals to share best practices in preserving cultural heritage. It includes both in-person sessions and virtual workshops over two years.
While in Hawai’i, participants interacted with curators and experts from various institutions, including museums and libraries. They discussed topics such as digital engagement, conservation for tropical climates, and managing collections efficiently. APME participants will continue collaborating with their USA counterparts through online sessions. These exchanges aim to strengthen regional expertise and cultural preservation networks.
United States Embassy Acting Public Affairs Officer Abraham Lee said the program builds connections between Indonesian and American professionals on shared heritage challenges. His organization said the USA is committed to showcasing its cultural strengths through international cooperation. The APME highlights not only preservation skills but also people-to-people diplomacy. It encourages a mutual appreciation for historical narratives and traditions.
Beyond APME, both countries are working together on other heritage efforts. One such project is Koleksi Kita, funded by the U.S. Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP). This initiative, led by Southeast Asia Museum Services, supports digital cataloging across 12 Indonesian museums. The USA and Indonesia aim to enhance accessibility and management of museum collections through these collaborations.
Alexander Jason – Redaksi
